Councils are responsible for governing a defined geographic area. Brisbane City Council is unique among local governments in Australia in that it governs the entire metropolitan area of a capital city. As such, it operates under a separate Act of Parliament - the City of Brisbane Act 2010. This distinguishes it from other local governments in Queensland, which fall under the Local Government Act 2009.

While councils have responsibility and autonomy to manage local community issues, such as barking dogs, garbage collection, local roads, libraries and rates, they are effectively multi-million dollar businesses. Councils promote economic development by encouraging and attracting industry to its region to help create employment for local people.

Any economic development must be aligned with community benefits, and councils have a responsibility to engage regularly with residents to ensure decisions mirror community needs and interests.

Councils also own and manage local infrastructure like roads, bridges, footpaths, bikeways, airports and flood control. They are responsible for regulating activities that affect the quality of the environment and contribute to the overall health of the community, including:

• regulation of air, noise and water
• land use planning
• building approvals
• waste disposal
• control of declared pests and noxious weeds
• child care centres, family day-care schemes and respite services
• arts, cultural and heritage activities
• library services, public housing and community halls
• sporting and recreational facilities
• transport services.